Congratulations! You've decided to have an amazingly unique summer experience with the CTY program and Living Classrooms Foundation! Only 136 students each summer get to have the experience you are about to have. This web page has been designed to help parents and students familiarize themselves with the uniqueness of the Living Classrooms Foundation programs. While many CTY programs happen on a college campus, or are day sites only, the Marine Ecology site involves some different living and learning situations. Please read below for more information and contact information. We look forward to seeing you this summer!

What happens at Orientation?
Where do the students stay while at the Marine Ecology site?
Want to learn more about the College of Notre Dame?
Where will the Whales and Estuaries students be going?
Where will the crab students be going?
Where will the oyster students be going?
What will the crab, oyster and whale students be doing on land?
When is graduation?
What are the campsites like?
What will my responsibilities be onboard?
Who will be supervising my child?
What should students bring?
Will students get a shower every day?
What about bugs?
What will students be eating? Who will be preparing it? What if the student is a vegetarian, has allergies or is kosher?
What are the summers like in Maryland?
What if I need to get in touch with my child?
What will the groups be doing on the weekends?
What books are students required to bring with them?
What if a student is on medication, has special medical needs, etc.?
Who should I contact if I have more questions?




What happens at Orientation?
Registration for the first session is on June 29, 2008 and will be on July 20, 2008 for the second session. For the first session whale, crab and oyster students the boats utilized during their field portion of the program will be open for tours from 12 - 2PM. This is a chance for the students and their families to get aa sneak peak at the boat, as well as a chance to meet some of the crew. The Living Classrooms Foundation vessels are docked at Pier 5 in the Inner Harbor. There are several hourly paid parking lots in the Pier 5 area. Please note that for session 2 orientation, Lady Maryland, the whale boat will be in New York City and not in Baltimore, thus no tours of her will be available.

Registration for camp will occur at College of Notre Dame from 2 - 3:30PM. Early arrivals will not be admitted and must wait outside until 2pm.

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Where do the students stay while at the Marine Ecology site?
All students will spend the first and last night on the College of Notre Dame College.  The Whale, Crab and Oyster students will spend half their evenings at CND and the other half of their evenings in the field.  While doing the land portion of the program the students will be staying in Meletia Hall. While on boats, students will be camping at sites along the Chesapeake Bay.

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Want to learn more about the College of Notre Dame?
Visit their website: http://www.ndm.edu/

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Where will the Whales and Estuaries students be going? Whales and Estuaries students will spend half of their time in Baltimore at CND, studying with the land-based educational staff from Living Classrooms Foundation (LCF). They will spend the other half of their time on LCF's tall ship Lady Maryland, with her professional crew. At the start of the program the whale students will be broken into two groups of ten students. They will remain in these groups for their stay at camp. Generally groups are broken up according to age. Usually the older group goes out on the boat first, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Want to learn more about the Lady Maryland?

During the first session of CTY (June 29 ­ July 18), the first group of students will leave on Lady Maryland, Monday, June 30. During their 9 days onboard, they will sail to Gloucester, Massachusetts. On board, the students will be involved in classes revolving around whales and estuaries. They will be responsible for navigating, steering and assuring the safety of everyone onboard (under crew supervision), as well as maintaining the boat through daily tasks including deck washes. Students will also stand watch while underway, at anchor, and at the dock, and assist the cook with meal preparations. Concurrently, the other group of students will be studying at the CND. On Tuesday July 8, LCF will transport the second group (that had been on land), to Gloucester, MA. These students, along with the ones who are just completing their time on Lady Maryland will camp together at the Camp Anne Camp Site in Gloucester, MA. On Wednesday July 9, the group who had been on land will set sail on Lady Maryland, while the other students will be transported back to the College of Notre Dame for their land based education. The second group sailing on Lady Maryland will end their trip in the New York City area on July 17. They will then be transported back to Baltimore via van or bus. During the 2nd session of CTY (July 20 ­ August 8), the whale students will follow a similar schedule. After being dropped off on July 15, all the students will spend the night at the College of Notre Dame. On Monday July 21, the first group of students will travel by bus or van to New York City to meet the Lady Maryland. The group who studies on land first will be transported to Gloucester, Massachusetts on July 29 for the group switch. On this evening, the group of students who were on Lady Maryland for the first nine days, in addition to the students who were on land first, will all camp in Gloucester, MA. On Wednesday the 30th, the second group will begin their adventure on Lady Maryland, while the other group is transported back to Baltimore. Lady Maryland will sail back to Baltimore, arriving here on August 7. The students will spend their final night with everyone else at CND.

While onboard Lady Maryland, students will stop in various places, such as Mystic, CT, Oyster Bay, NY, and Gloucester, MA. While the crew of Lady Maryland tries very hard to ensure that the students all have the opportunity to observe whales from the deck of their floating home, the oceans are big! For this reason, we make sure all students spend some time on a commercial whale-watching vessel. Educators from Lady Maryland will accompany the students on the commercial boat. This trip is included in the tuition cost of camp. The captains and crews of these boats are much more familiar with the waters of Stellwagen Bank. They are able to follow the habits of the whales all summer long, which allows them to more accurately predict where the whales will be.

Want to see pictures of students on the Lady Maryland?
Click Here!

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Where will the crab students be going? The Blue Crab students will spend half of their time in Baltimore at CND, studying with the land-based educational staff of LCF. They will spend the other half of their time on LCF's buyboat Mildred Belle with her professional crew. At the start of the program, the crab students will be broken into two groups of 12. They will remain in these groups for their stay at camp. Generally groups are broken up according to age. Usually the older group goes out on the boat first, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Want to learn more about the Mildred Belle?

The students on the Mildred Belle will spend their days traveling to different locations around the Chesapeake Bay. They will be seeing many different areas of Maryland while they are in the field. Stops often include Crisfield (at one time dubbed the "crab capital of the world"), Wye Island, Point Lookout, and Tangier Island. While on the boat, the students will be involved in classes revolving around the Bay and the crab. They will also have the responsibility of assisting with all operations of the boat. They will be responsible for navigating, steering and assuring the safety of everyone onboard, as well as maintaining the boat through daily tasks including deck washes. The Mildred Belle only has four bunks on board. Therefore, the students will spend their evenings camping on shore. Camp facilities include youth group sites in State Parks, fields at colleges, and yards at waterfront restaurants/marinas. The students are responsible for setting up camp each evening, helping to prepare their meals, cleaning up after the meals and breaking down camp every morning. An LCF staff member will transport the students' luggage, all camping gear, and all foodstuffs to each site daily in a van. Often times the boat is not docked within walking distance of the campsite, so there may be a short van ride to get from one place to the other. All staff members will generally be at the campsite until bedtime, at which point the captain and mate will return to the boat. The two educators, two summer support staff and the group's RA will all spend the night at the campsite with the students. For more information on camping please see below.


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Where will the Oyster students be going? The Oyster students will spend half of their time at the College of Notre Dame, studying with the land-based educational staff at LCF. They will spend the other half of their time on LCF's skipjack Sigsbee with her professional crew. At the start of the program, the oyster students will be broken into two groups of 12. They will remain in these groups for their stay at camp. Generally, groups are broken up according to age. Usually the older group goes out on the boat first, but there are exceptions to this rule.

Want to learn more about the Sigsbee?

The students on the Sigsbee will spend their days sailing to different locations around the Chesapeake Bay. Oyster students have the opportunity to work side by side with researchers at the University of Maryland's Horn Point research lab. Activities they do there may include spawning oysters, stuffing shell bags and putting seed oysters into the nursery.

While on the boat, the students will be involved in classes revolving around the Bay and the oyster. They will also have the responsibility of assisting with all operations of the boat. They will be responsible for navigating, steering and assuring the safety of everyone onboard, as well as maintaining the boat through daily tasks including deck washes. The Sigsbee only has two bunks on board; therefore, the students will spend their evenings camping on shore. Camp facilities include youth group sites in State Parks, fields at colleges, and yards at waterfront restaurants/marinas. The students are responsible for setting up camp each evening, helping to prepare their meals, cleaning up after the meals and breaking down camp every morning. An LCF staff member will transport the students' luggage, all camping gear, and foodstuffs to each site daily in a van. Often times the boat is not docked within walking distance of the campsite so there is a short van ride to get from one place to the other. All staff members will generally be at the campsite until bedtime, at which point the captain and mate will return to the boat. The two educators, two summer support staff and the group's RA will all spend the night at the campsite with the students. For more information on camping please see below.

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Who will be supervising my child?
The Living Classrooms staff are professional educators. The full time staff are all Wilderness First Aid and CPR trained. The summer staff on the boats are all American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified, and have received comprehensive training on van driver safety. There will always be a staff member with the group. On the crab and oyster field programs, there are summer support staff that provide the land-based support. Each group has an RA assigned to them as well. This staff member is working for CTY, is a college age student and will stay with the group both on land and in the field. While on land the RA's primary responsibility will be providing evening and weekend activities and supervision. While in the field, the RA will be with the group at all times. They will participate in all activities on the boat, as well as any on shore activities such as lab and museum activities.

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What should students bring?
Please refer to the packing list that will be sent to you with all your pre-camp information. Students need to be able to carry all of their belongings themselves, so keep it light. We suggest using a duffel bag since it is "mush-able" and easy to transport in the land support vans used while in the field. Whales and Estuaries students are required to keep all their belongings in their bunk with them on Lady Maryland even while sleeping! (Another reason to keep luggage to a minimum). Please note ­ trash bags are not acceptable luggage. Students should only have one medium sized duffle bag (no more than 6500 cubic inches) and their day pack. It is perfectly acceptable (and expected) for their sleeping bag and camping pad (where needed) to be packed in their own "stuff sack". Students are expected to carry and be able to carry all of their own luggage themselves. We will be living outside, moving a lot and getting dirty, so please do not bring items that are valuable or breakable. Please label everything your child brings to camp with his or her name - it will greatly reduce the lost and found, and assure that everything goes home with the right people.

In addition, LCF has come up with some tips and extra items that will make your child's trip a bit more successful.

Please make sure that your child packs shoes that can be worn in the mud and muck. These must be close-toed shoes that fit securely (old sneakers are great)!

Students are required to wear close-toed shoes while on the boat daily, these should be different shoes than the ones they wear in the mud and muck. Close-toed shoes such as "Keens" are fine to wear on board while underway. "Crocs" or their equivalent are NOT acceptable shoes to wear while underway as they do not provide enough traction to be considered a safe shoe.

The Blue Crab and Oyster students should bring a camping pad on which to sleep. Since they will be camping for 8 nights, a camp pad can make sleeping on the ground much more comfortable. Please make sure they are either foam, or self-inflating, however they should NOT be the large bed sized pads! Students should be able to roll up these pads and carry them with the rest of their gear.

A pillow is also strongly suggested for all students, however we suggest a travel-sized pillow so there is less bulk. Crab and oyster students may also want to consider bringing a twin sized bed sheet.  They can use this at CND as well as in the field.  Often times while camping it is warm at bedtime and a sheet provides enough cover to be comfortable.  No linens are provided by CND.

All students MUST bring a sturdy, reusable, water bottle and have it with them at all times! The summer is hot and humid, and the students will be much more active than normal. "Camelback" type products are not acceptable since the students will be wearing lifejackets at all times while onboard the boats.

Foul weather gear is required for all students, as we will be out in all types of weather. Sturdy rain jackets are suggested, not "ponchos." In the case of thunderstorms, we will make sure the students are sheltered as much as possible.

Whale students need to make sure that they bring warm clothes including a winter hat. Nights in the New England area can get very chilly especially on the water!

All electronics should be left at home! This includes pagers, radios, ipods, MP3 players, and video games. Some items that may make your trip more enjoyable include a book for pleasure, journal, and camera. If students want to bring a digital camera, they are permitted however CTY will not be responsible for any loss or damage. For this reason we suggest a disposable camera as a safe alternative.  If a student does choose to bring their digital camera, they may also wish to bring along the computer adaptor cord.  We will be posting blogs as service permitted to keep family and friends updates as to what we are doing (see below), and if possible we will post pictures taken by the students. All students must bring a daypack for everyday use. We suggest a backpack (similar to one that is taken to school). This will be used during the day to carry sun block, a water bottle, a notebook, a change of clothes, etc... During the day, the students will NOT have access to their luggage. Some spending money and a calling card or cell phone are recommended. Please refer to the paperwork you will receive from CTY for an amount.

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Will students get a shower every day?
No. While on land, the students will usually have a chance to shower at least every other day. While on the boats showers can be scarce. The whale students will probably not shower at all while sailing. The crab and oyster students will have the chance to shower occasionally, perhaps three times while in the field. While on the boats, the students will have a chance to swim in both the Bay and other natural areas, as well as possibly in swimming pools. Usually while on Lady Maryland, the students may have a chance to take an "ocean" bath ­ they will swim and take their soap and shampoo with them. The students will also be "washing down" the boat daily, which involves a lot of soap and water ­ thus another opportunity to get clean.

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What about bugs?
Maryland is well known for its summer bugs. Because of this, we ask that your child come prepared to fight the battle. While bug sprays are the common defense method, LCF doesn't promote this method. Since showers are not a daily occurrence, it is not healthy to sleep with the bug spray on your skin. If you choose to use bug spray, please make sure it has the very lowest concentration of (preferably 0%) DEET. This is a very strong chemical, which can cause reactions in many people.

We suggest wearing lightweight long pants and long sleeve shirts in the evening. We also suggest that your student start taking Garlic pills approximately 3 weeks before they come to camp (garlic is a natural deterrent to bugs) and continue taking them through their stay. Usually one pill a day is enough to do the trick. While the bugs may still bite you, most people do not suffer the itchy reaction when they are using the garlic. Contrary to popular belief, this will not make the students smell.

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What will students be eating? Who will be preparing it? What if the student is a vegetarian, has allergies or is kosher?
While on land, the students will be eating meals prepared by a professional cafeteria staff. They will have options for breakfast that include hot items, as well as cereal. Lunch and dinner always include a main dish, salad, and dessert. All meals are served cafeteria style.

While in the field, students will be helping to prepare their own meals. In the crab and oyster program breakfasts are usually quick and cold (cereal, bagels, etc.) due to the time constraints of the day. There is generally one "big" breakfast planned each trip. Lunches are eaten while underway, so cooking is not an option. Therefore, sandwiches make up the bulk of lunchtime meals, but there are occasional variations. Dinners are prepared at the campsite on two propane camp stoves. While we are limited in the cooking and refrigeration areas, meals are always well balanced and nutritious. On Lady Maryland, there is a cook who is responsible for the planning and preparation of the meals. Cooking while underway on Lady Maryland is routine, so there is more variety in the meals. Please know that students, while in the field, will be required to help prepare and clean up all meals. While on land they will also be responsible for clearing the table, and helping to clean the dining area after meals.

If a student has special dietary concerns, please indicate them on both the food survey form and the health form. We can accommodate most special requests while on land. It can be harder while on the boats, but we do our best. If you have specific concerns, please email Living Classrooms Foundation staff at cty@livingclassrooms.org as soon as possible.

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What are the summers like in Maryland?
Hot and Humid! It is very common to have threats of thunderstorms late in the afternoon. Students in the crab and oyster programs should be sure to pack lightweight shorts and T-shirts. It is a good idea to have a sweatshirt and some warm pants as well for the evenings. We will be involved in outdoors programming regardless of the weather and it can become cool during a rainy day out on a boat.

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What if I need to get in touch with my child?
All students will have a chance to call home during camp. This year Marine Science students will be allowed to bring their cell phones to camp with them, however they will not always have access to them.  While on land students may only use their cell phones in the evenings during free time and they may not take their phones to class or activities with them.  Before your student leaves for the field portion on their program, their RA will collect all cell phones.  They will be stored in a water resistant location aboard.  When it comes time to call home the students’ phones will be distributed and then collected afterwards.  We have so much to do in the field that allowing the students to have unlimited access to their phones would be a distraction to all.  If you chose not to send your child with a cell phone, please be sure they have a pre-paid calling card so they can call home from a pay phone. All the rooms at CND are equipped with phones, please speak with your child's RA at orientation regarding specific phone use policies. If you know that your child will only be able to reach you at a certain time of the day, please make sure they know that and know to tell their RA. If you are going to be away while your student is at camp, make sure they know whom they should call when they have their chance to use the phone. If they will be able to reach you while you are away, make sure they have the correct number. It is also extremely important that this number be included in the emergency contact information; please be sure to give it to the person who checks your child in at orientation. If you must get in touch with your student, please call the Marine Science site office at CND (you will be given this number at orientation). If there isn't anyone in the office, please leave a message. The machine is checked often! Students will not have access to e-mail while they are at camp.

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What will the groups be doing on the weekends?
While on land, the students are not in class on the weekends. The RA staff at CND are responsible for planning weekend activities, which in the past have included Olympics, murder mysteries and dance parties. While on land only, it is possible for students to be picked up by a pre-approved person (please see the form that will be sent to you). If this is going to happen, it must be arranged a minimum of 48 hours prior to the departure from the program. Please arrange this through the Marine Science site office at CND (you will receive this phone number at orientation).

While in the field, students will not alter the programming for the weekend. They will continue to travel and learn.

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What books are students required to bring with them?

Whales Students:
Farley Mowat, A Whale for the Killing, 2005. Stackpole Books
ISBN 0-811-731863. Approximately $16.95.

Whales students will also need to purchase a field course reader. The field course reader will be provided for purchase at registration on Arrival Day. The cost will be $20. Please bring cash or check payable to Living Classrooms Foundation.

Crabs Students:
Crab students will purchase a course reader. The course reader will be provided for purchase at registration on Arrival Day. The cost will be $20. Please bring cash or check payable to the Living Classrooms Foundation.

Oysters Students:
Crab students will purchase a course reader. The course reader will be provided for purchase at registration on Arrival Day. The cost will be $20. Please bring cash or check payable to the Living Classrooms Foundation.

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What if a student is on medication, has special medical needs, etc.?
This is not a problem! We are used to dispensing medications to students. Please make sure that you send any medications in the original container. If your student uses an inhaler or epi-pen, please be sure to send them with 2 full prescriptions. This is a safety measure! On the health form there is a section for you to give permission to the staff to administer over the counter drugs to your student. Please do not send any of these medications! We have them in our first aid kits. If you are sending any other over the counter medications, you must send them in the original packaging, along with a note from you or your child's doctor granting permission for your child to take the medication and the dosage you wish for them to receive. Any medications (prescription, vitamins, supplements and over the counter), will be collected from your child when they arrive at camp. The exception to this is inhalers and epi-pens. Your child will keep one with them, and the staff will keep the other.

For the safety, well being, and success of your student, please do not hesitate to disclose information about your child to the staff. It is important for us to know all we can about your child to help him or her have the best possible time they can.

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Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Living Classrooms Staff will attempt calling all students and their families before camp begins. Students who are out of the country will not be called, however if you send us an email address we'd be happy to communicate that way. When the LCF educator calls they would like to speak with the student, but more importantly the parents. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at that time. Below is contact information in case you need additional assistance.
CTY website: http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/catalogs/caasites.html#msc

Living Classrooms: cty@livingclassrooms.org

Laura Saxton
Program Manager, Academic Programs
Johns Hopkins University - Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Ave, Ste 400
Baltimore, MD 21209
(410) 735-6183
(410) 735-6187 fax

AND

Rosa Villastrigo
Assistant Program Manager for Summer Programs
Johns Hopkins University--Center for Talented Youth
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Ave. Ste. 400
Baltimore, MD 21209
(410) 735-6182
fax: (410) 735-6187

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